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5 things for the perfect autumn day in Scheveningen

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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5 things for the perfect autumn day in Scheveningen

There’s an Indian Summer coming up and this is, of course, the perfect moment to hit the beach for the last time (yes, 20 degrees is enough for us here). But after that? Well, turns out that our favorite beach town in the Netherlands also has plenty of good stuff going on during the fall. So stop watching Netflix and ditch that laptop and go outside after reading these 5 things to enjoy a perfect autumn day in the lovely Scheveningen!

Wondering where we get all this Scheveningen info from? Buitengewoon Scheveningen is the site to visit for that. They’ve got tons of suggestions, event listings and all kinds of other stuff on Scheveningen going on – and also really creatively written articles (perfect opportunity to learn some Dutch?).

#1 Enjoy an epic walk

With the falling leafs and the temperature still kind and cozy the beach of Scheveningen, the forest surrounding it and of course it’s big next door neighbor of The Hague make it the perfect spot to go for some serious (and relaxing) walking!

And as it happens this very Sunday sees the first edition of the ‘Blotevoetenwandeling’, perfect timing since the temperatures are expected to be warm and perfect for a no-shoeswalk!

Forests! (by @buitengewoonscheveningen)

We’ve already written a bit about the gorgeous scenery which makes it so suitable for walks. Check out the ‘Meijendel’ area for instance (also unpronounceable for non-Dutch speakers ). This sprawling nature reserve connects Scheveningen, The Hague and Wassenaar, and features dunes, scenic lakes, forests and miles of sandy beach, all right here in the Randstad.

To make walking even simpler, but also a lot more fun – the good people of This is The Hague have launched a few digital walking routes of the Hague and Scheveningen. Works like a charm and all in English as well! You can find all that right here.

#2 Music for the soul

The ‘Zuiderstrandtheater’ is located right along the walking routes of Scheveningen, this building houses one of the better orchestras of the Netherlands; the ‘Residentie-Orkest’ (which translates into the ‘orchestra of the residency’).

The residency orchestra is one of those institutions that you really don’t want to miss out on if you’re into music at all. They’re also about much more than just classical music. We can specifically recommend their (free!) lunchconcerts and their Sunday morning specials. Check out their website, it’s nicely done in English (and you don’t need Dutch skills to enjoy the music of course.

#3 Comfort food

Obviously when the sun is gone and bikini season over there’s only one upside to all of it: we can stuff ourselves with delicious food! First, we need to talk about our national pride: cheese!

Source: FB/dirkjanleeflangkaasspecialist

There’s this epic cheesestore in the Keizerstraat that makes me eat and buy way more than I have any business to do so. The best thing about the shop is all the little samples of cheese you can taste (there’s never one that I don’t like of course). They can also vacuum package your cheese so you can bring it along back home or give away to a foreign friend.

And then every Thursday there’s the classic Dutch street market at the Stevinstraat, always a good vibe and spot to get your veggies, fishies and even more cheese. There are plenty of other nice gourmet shops in Scheveningen, here are a few of them (practice that Dutch! 😉

Still not satisfied? Head down to Scheveningen harbor and eat some delicious fish, if there’s one place for a fish-lover to go to it’s there. Read all about it right here in our article on the Scheveningen harbor.

 

#4 Happy dogs at the beach!

At least one group is always happy when the summer season comes to an end. Man’s oldest companion: the dog! Because at the start of October it’s once again allowed to unleash your dog and have him or her run freely at the Scheveningen beach!

There’s even an event for dogs at the beach at the 22rd of October  – aptly titled: ‘Dogs at sea’. It features a fashion show, a dog whisperer and a dog diving contest. Their website has all the information you need, and I also found this epic clip which I totally need to share with you:

So this promises to be a great event for all dog-loving people (or people who make a living in the ‘funny dog movie industry’).

So we had food, walking, dogs and music. What’s left?

#5 Relax: Spa and Yoga in Scheveningen

Of course, the best way to totally get out of the winter-is-coming blues is taking a spa. And what better spot than the iconic Kurhaus?

neighborhoods of The Hague
The Kurhaus in Scheveningen (kind of The Hague as well) already is quite impressive, but this photo makes it really magical)

The Amrath Kurhaus hotel was originally started as a bathhouse (Kurhaus – kuurhuis) so they know what they’re doing there. The Kurhaus spa had some extensive renovations carried out last year, so it feels brand new (but you still get that great nostalgic vibe from it). It’s of course even better when you can enjoy the wellness and look at the sea at the same time.

* Pro-tip! The whole month of October you can mention that you’re there through the ‘Buitengewoon Scheveningen‘ promotion – after they have stopped laughing at your foreign pronunciation of Scheveningen they will give you a discount of 2,50!

And last but not least! How about grabbing a yoga session at the Pier in Scheveningen. It’s a weekly thing and when the sun is shining they’ll even do it outside! It’s at ‘personal training’ and once again, if you’ll say the codeword of ‘Buitengewoon Scheveningen’ the first session is actually free! More information can be found here.

That’s it! Any more tips (or pics of lovely Scheveningen)  we’ll gladly see it shared in the comments!

Formula 1 in the Netherlands? When and will it happen?

Bobby Salomons
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Will Formula 1 in the Netherlands make an epic urban comeback?

The owners of the Formula 1 brand have recently made clear that they are interested in making a return to the Netherlands as part of their racing calendar for the first time since 1985(!). According to Motorsport.com, Sean Bratches – F1’s commercial director – has already visited the country to have talks and do research into available options to bring back Formula 1 in the Netherlands.

Back when the F1 was in Zandvoort:
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDtRE8C7D6A[/embedyt]

Formula 1 in the Netherlands: Street Racing along the Amsterdam Canals?

According to sources Liberty Media, the new owner of the F1-brand, wants to hold the race on the streets of a large Dutch city – preferably Amsterdam. Even though the latter is understandable, a globally recognized city and mouth watering scenery for a globally televised race, it does seem a bit difficult.

Metropolitan Amsterdam has a whopping 2.4 million population, most of which is closely packed together in and around the city – compressing 800,000+ into the extremely dense city itself. It will likely prove difficult to logistically bring a Formula 1 race into the city without it grinding to a halt completely. On top of which, much of the city is made up out of World Heritage Sites, any damage caused by the race or the events and technicalities surrounding it would be disastrous.

Another great option is Rotterdam, which is much more spacious and who’s Metropolitan Area is about equal to Amsterdam’s municipal borders: 800,000. Rotterdam too allows for some cool imagery – especially its gorgeous Erasmus Bridge and the many skyscrapers that adorn its downtown area along the river banks. Its wide roads also allow for better accommodation of traffic in general but especially racing.

Formula 1 in the Netherlands
Richard Doornbos during a Rotterdam City Racing F1 Demonstration

Another added benefit is that Rotterdam has “some” experience in doing so with the Rotterdam City Racing events which feature F1 demonstrations racing through the streets of Holland’s skyscraper city.

Formula 1 in the Netherlands – When and where?

Despite less ‘brand recognition’ Rotterdam might not be a bad choice, though of course the final choice is in the hands of Liberty Media and the F1-organization if both cities decide to be game, because it will allow for an easier set up and cause much less of a hassle.

Many of the racing experts agree, logistically Rotterdam wins, but you can almost hear Liberty Media’s board of directors snore across the ocean as they dream of helicopter shots of Ferrari’s, Mercedes and Max Verstappen in his Red Bull thundering through Amsterdam. It’s going to be a tough pick, though it’s not entirely unlikely that the capital may even refuse, tourism and general population growth has already greatly burdened the city. It may not want to push passed its limits by jumping into F1 racing.

If so Rotterdam will almost certainly be the place to go for the Formula 1 in the Netherlands, it has ample space and not nearly the overcrowding and tourism issues its Noord-Holland competitor has. Either way it remains to be seen “how soon” the Formula 1 in the Netherlands returns, though it could be relatively soon if all parties involve give green light, what is certain that it has stirred a buzz in Holland. Will Max Verstappen finally race to gold on home soil? We’re excited at the thought!

Did you know that Gin is a Dutch thing? (and boozy recipes to make it fun)

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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Did you know that Gin is a Dutch thing? (and boozy recipes to make it fun)

Who would have thought that Gin is a Dutch thing?

For a few years now Gin Tonics have been the upcoming drink of choice for many of us on Friday or Saturday night (or Tuesday morning, but let’s not talk about that now). You can’t walk into any bar in Amsterdam and not see tons of people drinking these clean, spirited cocktails with a slice of cucumber/orange/random fruit in there.

After a few years of drinking these I was quite astonished to discover that gin is actually a Dutch invention. What? So all this time, when I was downing these drinks, I was doing my patriotic duty? To be honest, I always thought gin was as British as queuing for a bus or senselessly quitting a successful international trading community. So let’s get to the bottom of this drink now! (Historically speaking, but alcoholically speaking, shouldn’t take more than 1-2 paragraphs.)

The Dutch Origins of Gin

The earliest references of gin date back to the 16th century and reports of it being produced in the Netherlands are also from around that time. Back then, it was produced as a medicine to treat stomach ache, gout and gallstones. They added juniper to it for the flavor, and that also comes with its own medicinal properties. A medicinal cocktail recommended by doctors then…if that doesn’t give you a good excuse to have a glass in the weekend then I don’t know what will!

Gin was developed on the basis of the older jenever, and became popular in Great Britain (particularly in London) when William of Orange, leader of the Dutch Republic, occupied the English, Scottish, and Irish thrones with his wife Mary (yes, we ruled old Britain once upon a time – there’s a good story there).

Gin Lane – By William Hogarth

The English actually only properly discovered gin when they were fighting the Thirty Year War in the 17th century in Holland and saw Dutch soldiers drinking jenever to boost morale before heading into battle. The term “Dutch Courage” was born, and the English brought the very concept of gin back with them. After that, it became hugely popular and out-of-control: consider Gin Lane, Gin Craze and the Gin Act.

Luckily, England cleaned up its act, stopped boozing so much, and never had an alcohol problem again.(Right?)

Anyways, enough with all the history – here are some boozy recipes to get your afternoon going!

Damrak Gin & Tonic

Obviously, we need to kick this one off with a true Dutch gin: Damrak Gin! Damrak has its origins in Amsterdam (of course). It’s a ‘soft’ gin with a lot of citrus in it, and it’s best served with some orange slices. And we all know orange is healthy for you, so if you’re feeling gloomy just start drinking these (science also says that oranges will make a guy’s little swimmers swim better, so that might explain why there are so many children born after a night of oranges and Gin Tonics! Right?)

Ingredients:
50 ml Damrak Gin (1/4)
150 ml Tonic (3/4)
2 slices of Orange

Hendrick’s & Tonic

I would swear on our Queen Maxima that Hendrick’s was that one Dutch gin I already knew – the whole name is as Dutch sounding as it can be. But nope, Hendrick’s Gin is Scottish, as it turns out! Here’s the classic cocktail with cucumber in it, only containing 65 calories – so it’s totally healthy to skip dinner and do a Gi-To instead.

Ingredients
50 ml Hendrick’s Gin
150 ml Tonic
2 slices of cucumber

 

Belvedere Hero Spritz

Not a fan of gin? Well, can’t leave you without a recipe for something also equally delicious and healthy 😉 Belvedere vodka is something special and tastes way better than regular vodka in my opinion. This recipe also only packs 85 calories and it has grapefruit in it, which will solve all your other health problems (the alcohol in the vodka solves all of life’s problems btw! )

Ingredients
30 ml Belvedère Vodka
30 ml Lillet Blanc
2 slices of grapefruit
A branch of Thyme (fancy stuff indeed!)

That’s it! And like they say in Dutch ‘Drink met mate’ (translates into: drink with friends)

Find out about the Dutch origins of Gin and make some tasty cocktails while you're at it!

Anne Faber has been found in Zeewolde

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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Anne Faber has been found in Zeewolde

It’s been almost two weeks since Anne Faber was missing, today the case came to an expected but still very sad end. The body of the 25-year-old Anne from Utrecht was found in Zeewolde.

Rutger Jeuken, the deputy chief prosecutor, brought the bad news during a press conference. It is not yet known how Anne, who has been missing for thirteen days, has died. Her body has now been moved from the site and will be transported for research to the Dutch Forensic Institute in The Hague. Then it will be transferred to her family as soon as possible, says Jeuken. The area is reopened after the forensic investigation.

The press conference:
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcZTLfIid0c[/embedyt]

The Anne Faber case earlier today

The police searched for a “specific place” in the vicinity of the Nulderpad for Anne’s body on Thursday because there was a suspicion that her body was hidden there. This was on the instructions of detained suspect Michael P. (27). The judge decided on Thursday that Micheal P. will remain in custody for fourteen days longer since there is enough suspicion against him.

Our thoughts are with Anne’s family

Anne’s uncle states on behalf of the family that “the darkest scenario for them has come true”. “We still have many questions. What happened, why did this man walk around?” – Many in the Netherlands wonder the same.

On behalf of the family he also thanked everybody for all the support and help in the past two weeks. He also requested at the press-conference that media leave the family alone.

 

Dutch Solar Racing Teams Burn Competition – Double Win Anticipated

Bobby Salomons
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The Technical University of Delft has done it again – they’re the champions for the seventh time in fourteen years of the World Solar Challenge! Their solar panel plastered race car was the first to cross the finish line in Australia’s city of Adelaide after a whopping three-thousand kilometer journey!

Eat your Heart Out Mad Max!

The yearly race takes place in Australia and crosses through its unbearably warm and enormous desert wastelands – and when we mean unbearably warm we’re talking 40 to 50C (122F!) temperatures inside the vehicle cockpit.

Team Delft’s vehicle “Nuna” made the journey from Darwin (in the North) to Adelaide (South) in five days with an average speed of just over 81 Km/H but reaching top speeds of 110 Km/H, the latter being about the average speed most of us go on the freeway – the previous about the speed trucks go on the highway.

And for good measure, Nuna didn’t just win a little bit – she won a lot of bit! Open crossing the finish line she was at least 100 kilometers ahead of her competition, coming out textbook superior in the “Challenger-Class” competition of fastest vehicles. She, and the others, also didn’t have an easy time as storm and cloud coverage took control of the sky. However, due to its incredibly aerodynamic design the vehicle managed to weather the storm with relatively little trouble.

Team member Jasper Hemmes said: “Thanks to Nuna’s lightweight and streamlined design we could still make significant speed with little energy, despite strong winds. We were kind’ve sucked forward by the strong winds due to its aerodynamic properties.”

Going for the Double Solar Win – TU Eindhoven in the Lead!

But that’s not all, TU Eindhoven is competing in the “Cruiser-Challenge” which requires each solar car to bring a passenger with on the same journey and have to be even more efficient than the Challenger-class vehicles. Current standing the Solar Team Eindhoven’s vehicle is holding lead towards the finish line but are still underway. Needless to say, we’re very proud in Holland and excited to see if they can pull off a double victory for our small but ambitious nation. Either way, we will be very glad to see them all finish the challenge in good health and with functioning vehicles. On to the next Solar Challenge, mates!

Police: ‘Remains of Anne Faber probably hidden near Zeewolde’

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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Police: ‘Remains of Anne Faber probably hidden near Zeewolde’

The news we were not hoping for but were sadly expecting is here. The Dutch police just announced that they have a specific area in Zeewolde in their sights where they suspect the body of Anne Faber is hidden. That has just been announced by the NOS.

The police were already searching for Anne Faber in the surroundings of Zeewolde since yesterday, and now they are specifically focussing on the area of the Nulderpad.

In the case of Anne Faber (25), who has been missing since September 29, a convicted rapist was apprehended as a suspect. His mother is from Zeewolde and it appeared that he had a car at his disposal. This had led to police to this particular spot.

The police have specifically asked for people NOT to come to this Zeewolde area in order not to interfere with the investigation.

Bah, we knew this news was coming now for some time,  but it still hits hard…

The Leiden International Film Festival is here! Here’s four things you should watch

Kees van Dooren
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The Leiden International Film Festival is here! Here’s four things you should watch

Why you don’t want to miss out on the Leiden International Film Festival 

You may have noticed while looking or being outside but Dutch weather in fall is far from hospitable. And while most of the Netherlands’ best attractions are outdoors, we also have some nice cultural, in-doors activities on offer! Today we’ll be examining the 11th edition of the Leiden International Film Festival, one of the better ways to spend the dark and damp days of grey post-summer Holland!

You should know the Leiden International Film Festival by now!

Founded in 2006, the festival lasted then only for a long weekend, and 11 years later, it’ll welcome thousands of visitors during 10 days in the lovely Leiden. LIFF has become one of the leading festivals in the country showcasing arthouse and mainstream movies from all over the world. In 2016, more than 85 films were screened, from 28 countries; among them, Hell or High Water, Arrival, Hacksaw Ridge, and much more. The festival is a great opportunity to go see films you wouldn’t watch otherwise and to discover talented directors.

The Leiden International Film Festival is one of the biggest film festivals on offer in the Netherlands and it contains a veritable plethora of movies, in many different categories! Previous installments of the festival showed movies such as Me, Earl and the Dying Girl and the brilliant Whiplash. Besides movie watching, there are also parties thrown and plenty of other stuff going on (more info on that here)

This year once again the festival has some great movies on offer so sit back, drink your tea and read about our top picks for this year’s festival!

Leiden International Film Festival
Foto door Coen Bastiaanssen

#4. Suburbicon

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBezc1S1BAQ[/embedyt]

This new movie by director George Clooney, starring his long-time cooperator Matt Damon as well as Oscar Isaac and Julliane Moore is number four on our list this year. The trailer shows a film which seemingly blends the aesthetics of a Wes Anderson film with story elements from Hawley’s Fargo series, sprinkled with an everyman character which could’ve come straight from a Coen brothers story. In the movie Matt Damon has gotten in deep with the mob who now want their money back and are coming straight for his family. We here at DutchReview have had our eye on this one for some time and we’ll definitely be attending!

#3. Old-school Disney!

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWLa6y7Z2TE[/embedyt]

It’s not just new movies on display this year at the Leiden International Film Festival! They will have two classic Disney movies on offer; Alladin and Snow-White and the Seven Dwarves! While you may wonder why this made number three on the list, the truth is going to see Disney movies on the big screen and reliving your childhood even a little bit makes this mandatory viewing. Also; it is empirically proven Disney movies make for some great first date viewing, even though the best date movie is obviously The Princess Bride.

#2. You were never really here/Children of men

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1APnf3Y_W8[/embedyt]

Number two on our list is split between two films after a long and tiresome argument in the DutchReview headquarters. You Were Never Really Here stars Joaquin Phoenix as a retired and life-weary veteran who tries to save a young prostitute from a brothel. It won big in this years’ Cannes Film Festival and, let’s be honest, anything starring Joaquin Phoenix will be awesome simply due to his presence.

Meanwhile Children of Men has been out for a little over a decade and remains one of the single greatest depictions of a dystopian society and all the ills that come with it. It focusses on a world where everyone has lost the ability to become pregnant, and it shows the world’s collapse through brilliant framing and camera work. It is personally one of my favorite films of the 21st century and if you haven’t seen it, I cannot recommend going enough.

#1. Last Flag Flying

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Meoh1dAfFAk[/embedyt]

 With a star-studded cast including the brilliant Bryan Cranston, Steve Carell and Lawrence Fishburne and the director known from Boyhood, Last Flag Flying is one of those films that’ll be a guaranteed shoe-in for the Oscars. The movie centers around the three veterans who reunite to drive the body of one of their sons, who was killed in combat, to his burial. If you loathe the usual jingoistic war films such as American Sniper this may just be the movie for you. It is also the closing film of this year’s festival!

 

Want more?

Anyways, like if this wasn’t enough, we have scribbled down plenty of other reasons to visit Leiden on DutchReview!

And the ‘LIFF’  was also nice enough to compile 4 reasons for you international readers to head on down to the Leiden International Film Festival

 

Daar zijn we weer! Nog 22 dagen… – – – #LeidenIFF #liff2017 #leiden #poster #MORE #film #filmfestival

Een bericht gedeeld door Leiden Film Festival (@leideniff) op

LIFF from 27 October to 7 November
Prices : film ticket 9 €, 5-strip ticket 40 €, 10-strip ticket 75 €
https://www.liff.nl/en/

Working in the Netherlands? 4 Things to know and prepare for a culture shock!

Ionela Bărbuță
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Working in the Netherlands? 4 Things to know and prepare for a culture shock!

In 2011 I jumped on a roller coaster called “working in the Netherlands”, and now, almost 7 years later, I’m still in it. Let me tell you my story.

I studied Intercultural Communication and I read a lot about the particularities of each culture and the way they like to do business. Yet, nothing I might have learned in school had prepared me for the real deal. When I started working in the Netherlands for a Dutch company back in 2011, I soon realized I actually knew nothing about working with people from other cultures.

working in the Netherlands
Do you enjoy this Dutch custom or do you prefer a handshake?

#1 First of all, what’s with the three kisses?

I am not a kisser, never been and probably never will. I make a few exceptions for my closest friends and family, but that’s it. So, when I first met my Dutch manager and she reached out and kissed me three times on the cheek, I was in deep shock.  And sometimes I still am, even if I know it’s coming and I understand it.

So, who exactly kisses who, and more importantly, when is the right time for all the kissing? For Dutch people it is the common norm to greet and say goodbye to people with kisses, three of them, to be more specific. You start on the right side, then move to the left cheek and finish where you started. Women kiss both women and men while men greet other men with a handshake. Well, thank Goodness for that, otherwise it would have been more awkward smiles and panicked faces around my office.

Also, they say that air kisses are a thing, but I haven’t experienced those so far, have you?

#2 Working in the Netherlands; Communication

Well, communication is rather difficult even when we are in the same country, but when you’re working daily with people from another place, you need to be extra careful.

For a Romanian, who is usually used to “embellish” certain things in order to make sure he doesn’t hurt other people’s feelings, Dutch people are so straightforward to the point of being perceived as slightly rude. But they’re not, never (well, except for when they really want to be, but that’s their prerogative, right?). They just love to share their opinion (and they do have an opinion about mostly everything there is) and they’ll not hesitate to do it even if you might get upset at that moment.

The Dutch are outspoken, pragmatic, like to put things into perspective and use short and direct sentences to transmit their message. They are always friendly, yet never excessively polite as we, Romanians, tend to be. For us, being really nice and having a very polite conversation is a way of creating a space for trust and comfort, yet Dutch people will always prefer clear, sober communication without too much politeness or courtesy. You’ll most likely hear this phrase a lot “I’ve asked you a straightforward question and I expect a straightforward answer”.

working in the Netherlands

#3 So, how do we get along?

The Dutchies are really patient and understanding, they realize there’ s a lot to take in when doing business with them and they’ll give you the time you need to adjust. They’ll also grant you the favor of trying to understand how you work. However, in the end, the Dutch expect others to be open and direct as them. They will tell you what they think of you and your work regardless of your status. Most of the times, they expect you to be honest and direct in return. So, if you detect mistakes in their work and you do not inform them about these mistakes, they might well be disappointed with you.

#4 Working in the Netherlands, family and friends

People in The Netherlands are very fond of their families and they’ll always choose to spend more time with them rather than working at the office. Don’t get me wrong, most of them are extremely well organized and will never miss a meeting, yet, they’ll be happier once work is done and they can focus on their personal business. Most of the time, Dutch people don’t stick to the 9 to 5 working hours and you might receive e-mails or see them online on Skype quite early in the morning or late in the evening.

Also, the Dutch never mix their personal life with their professional one. Coming to Romania, they’ll permanently wonder how we can spend our holidays with our co-workers and even go on vacation together.

working in the Netherlands
‘gezellig’

Being part of a team that includes Dutch persons is like riding a roller coaster. And, by all means, is not the ups and downs I’m talking about, but the fusion of strong, enthusiastic and charismatic personalities that blend perfectly to create a reliable, hard-working and responsible environment.

When among the Dutch I always find myself amazed by their excitement and curiosity for the new, their confidence that almost everything is possible and their optimism for all the tomorrows. I wish that we Romanians would also borrow this mindset. We tend to count all the things that could go wrong before allowing the enthusiasm to kick in.

If you’re ready to apply for a job that you think requires fluent Dutch skills from you,  (hint: a lot of them do) then here’s a helpful video on applying and nailing it.

Like this video? Want to see more about working in the Netherlands or learning Dutch? Then head over to Bart de Pau’s YouTube-channel  (Learn Dutch) and get started

Belgium Likes Amsterdam So Much, They Pretend it’s Theirs!

Bobby Salomons
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What the Halle Berry? Get your hands off our Amsterdam! Some nerve, Belgium!
A recent publication featured a cover photo of Amsterdam ‘representing’ a typical Flemish city – uhuh.
This official government publication is all about the data of Flanders, its demographics, the well being of its citizens, the economy and its culture – and they plastered a photo of the Dutch capital on top of it!

 

Nothing to see here! Move along now!

As it turns out, the publication’s coordinator from the print company said, in an interview with Belgian VTM Nieuws, it was all based on an accident: “We didn’t know it was a photo of Amsterdam, we picked it because the photo is so lively and really represents diversity”.

Well, we’ll give them that much – the Dutch capital officially holds the world record of city with the most nationalities. And lively it is too, sometimes too lively because the tourism is driving downtown inhabitants bonkers, but still…

So far though it doesn’t seem like “Flanders in Numbers” will be re-printed and Amsterdam’s “Runstraat” will continue to feature on the cover as a shining Flemish example of success. Which is too bad, because Antwerp is such a nice place! What a mess, Belgium – we kind of have a crush on you too though, we’re just less creepy about it…

Downtown Antwerp! It’s no Amsterdam, but…

Summer Weather in Mid-October – Only in Holland!

Bobby Salomons
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Alright, we lied a little – it’s not ‘just’ Holland but do you care? You’re here! And Dutch weather, as always, is all too willing to bounce temperatures to the extremes. Because that’s how we roll!

Indian Summer – Here to Celebrate the Weekend with You.

How does 20+C (68+F) sound? According to the Dutch weather institute (KNMI) max. temperatures in the Netherlands may rise as high as 22C in the Southern provinces, and even the usually cold provinces of the North may jump as high as 19 – all the areas in between will have temperatures somewhere in between and we’re guessing your lucky butt will be around there somewhere as well!

For good measure, temperatures around this time of year usually don’t rise over 15C (59F), so this is a significant difference being thrown your way, free of charge because in Holland we like our things for free. And if you’ve ever seen one of those promotional stands handing out free stuff, you know that’s the truth. Seriously, they get ravaged by the Dutch.

This warm weather is being sponsored by a warm jet stream from the South, which is nice of them because most of the news from the area lately is gradually beginning to resemble Breaking Bad closer and closer.

Grab your Chances, Make a Thing Out of It!

To be fair though – the provinces of Zeeland, Noord-Brabant and Limburg have some of the most amazing, romantic and picturesque towns and cities the country has to offer that are generally overlooked by the glamour of Amsterdam and the cool of Rotterdam.

If you want to go romantic, go see Maastricht in Limburg and kiss your lover on the St. Servatius Bridge (Sint Servaasbrug) – pretend it’s France, whatever!

Yep, this is Maastricht!

You like relaxing on a pub patio, having a beer? Maybe some shopping? Go to (Noord-)Brabant’s Breda! Which has been picked as the best city for both the “club/pub scene” and best shopping streets several times in a row – yes, it outdid Amsterdam and Rotterdam!

Breda on Queen’s Day!

Are you a fan of the picturesque? Maybe brag on Instagram you found some undiscovered Dutch town full of people untouched by civilization? Try the tiny town of Sluis in Zeeland! It doesn’t get much more medieval and ‘gezellig’ (cozy!) than this! It only has a little over two thousand inhabitants but is chuck full of accommodations for tourists, and expats, alike – you’ll find a great place to sit down and relax, enjoy the view and the weather from some nice terrace.

A cute little pub, a windmill and flowers everywhere! That’s the fortress town of Sluis, Zeeland!

Temperatures going Down.

Nothing lasts forever and coming Tuesday temperatures will drop again, due to a tropical storm that’s sweeping cold air our way from the Azores, over Ireland and eventually towards us. So, be sure to get your freak on in the heat and always check the weather predictions before you leave in Holland, you never know when it changes last moment in this country. Enjoy!

Source: weerplaza
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